Must a website maintained by a Fast Fix Jewelry And Watch Repairs franchisee be ADA-compliant?
Fast_Fix_Jewelry_And_Watch_Repairs Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- (ii) The sample layout and preliminary plans Franchisee furnishes Franchisor will not address the requirements of any federal, state or local law, code or regulation, including those of the Americans with Disabilities Act (the "ADA") or similar laws or rules.
Franchisee alone, working with Franchisee's architect or engineer (if applicable), is responsible for ensuring that the Service Center, as constructed, complies with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, building codes, fire codes, permit requirements and the ADA.
Further, the sample layout and preliminary plans Franchisor furnishes Franchisee will not contain the requirements of, and may not be used for, construction drawings or other documentation necessary to obtain permits or authorizations to build and/or operate a specific Fast-Fix Service Center.
Franchisee agrees, at Franchisee's expense, to employ architects, designers, engineers or others necessary to complete, adapt, modify or substitute the layout, plans and specifications for the Service Center.
- (iii) Franchisee must submit a complete set of Franchisee's proposed final plans and specifications to Franchisor and obtain Franchisor's written approval of them before Franchisee seeks to register them with any governmental or quasi-governmental agency or begin construction of the Service Center.
Franchisor's approval will be based on Franchisor's assessment of compliance with Franchisor's standards for new Fast-Fix Service Centers.
Franchisor will not assess compliance with federal, state or local laws, rules or regulations, including the ADA.
Franchisee's architect must certify to Franchisee in writing that the plans and specifications for the Service Center comply with the ADA; the architectural guidelines under the ADA; all applicable federal, state and/or local laws, rules and regulations for accessible facilities; and, all other applicable federal, state or local laws, rules and regulations (including building codes, fire codes and permit requirements).
Franchisee must furnish Franchisor with a copy of this certification if Franchisor ever requests it.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 37)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Fast Fix Jewelry And Watch Repairs Franchise Disclosure Document, while the franchisor does not assess compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the franchisee is responsible for ensuring their physical service center complies with all applicable laws, including the ADA. This responsibility extends to the construction and operation of the service center. The franchisor will not assess compliance with federal, state, or local laws, rules, or regulations, including the ADA.
Specifically, Fast Fix Jewelry And Watch Repairs requires the franchisee to work with their own architect to ensure the service center complies with the ADA and all other applicable laws. The franchisee's architect must certify in writing that the plans and specifications for the service center meet these requirements. The franchisee must provide a copy of this certification to the franchisor upon request.
While the FDD excerpt focuses on the physical location and makes no explicit mention of website ADA compliance, it is common practice that any business with a physical location open to the public should also ensure their website is ADA compliant. A prospective Fast Fix Jewelry And Watch Repairs franchisee should confirm with the franchisor whether the requirement to comply with the ADA extends to the franchisee's website, or if the franchisor provides a company website that franchisees can use.